Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, sits along the Brunei River and combines traditional charm with modern infrastructure. The city is known for its stunning Islamic architecture, including the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, with its golden dome and marble minarets reflecting in the surrounding water.

The Calf of Man, a small island off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man, offers a rare glimpse into a quieter side of the Irish Sea. Covering just over 260 acres, this uninhabited island is known primarily for its rich birdlife and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visitors often arrive by boat from nearby Port Erin, embarking on guided tours that reveal the island’s importance as a bird sanctuary.

Panama is a country shaped by its geography and defined by its role in global history. The Panama Canal remains its most iconic feature as a 50-mile engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks from a dedicated observation deck or explore the interactive museum that explains how the canal changed international trade forever.

This pleasant port town provides a nice, calmer contrast to bustling Rome, so travelers are advised to not simply pass through, but linger and discover more of Civitavecchia. Explore Forte Michelangelo, shop at Corso Centocelle, see the neoclassical Trajan Theatre, and delve into the therapeutic Taurine Baths of Civitavecchia.

Tauranga, New Zealand, lies southeast of Auckland and is an adventure-lover's paradise. Originally settled by the Māori peoples, this vibrant city is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, biking, golfing, and everything active. Hike up Mount Maunganui for stunning panoramic views of the city below, then hit nearby Mount Maunganui Beach to soak up the sun or play in the sand.